With its low prices, efficient store design, and unique private-label products, Aldi has amassed a cult following among savvy shoppers looking to score deals on groceries and household essentials. The German discount supermarket chain now has over 2,000 stores across 36 states in the U.S. and continues to expand rapidly.
But while Aldi is rightly celebrated for many of its cheap yet high-quality offerings, from cheese to chocolate to award-winning wine, not everything lining Aldi‘s shelves is worth tossing in your cart. As with any retailer, some products fall short of expectations in terms of taste, effectiveness, or value for money.
To help you make the most of your next Aldi run, we‘ve rounded up 15 product categories you‘re better off skipping at the discount grocer, plus suggestions for what to get instead. Bear in mind, this list isn‘t meant as a knock on Aldi—there are still plenty of excellent Aldi finds that earn a spot on your grocery list. Rather, it‘s about being a discerning shopper and knowing when you can get a better deal or higher quality elsewhere.
Let‘s dive in to the items to reconsider buying at Aldi:
1. Cleaning supplies & paper goods
Aldi sells an array of cleaning products and paper goods like toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, disposable plates and more under its private labels like Boulder and Fremont. And while the prices are certainly cheap, you can often find better value by buying these products in bulk at a warehouse club like Costco or Sam‘s Club, or by using coupons and sales at drugstores and supermarkets.
"In general, buying cleaning and paper products in bulk from a wholesale club or online via subscribe and save will get you the best per-unit cost," says Kristin McGrath, a savings expert at Offers.com. Or if you don‘t have the space to store bulk purchases, look for sales at retailers like Target, Walmart, or grocery stores, and combine them with coupons to get the lowest price.
Plus, while Aldi‘s cleaning products get the job done, they aren‘t always the best quality or most effective. "For a little more money, you can get better performing products from name brands, whether cleaning sprays, dish soaps, detergents, or trash bags," says Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com. "I‘ve found the quality of Aldi‘s cleaning products to be similar to dollar store brands—good for a quick cleanup but not items I would use for deep cleaning."
2. Toiletries & personal care items
Similar to cleaning products, you‘re likely to find cheaper per-unit prices on personal care items like hand soap, body wash, shampoo, razors, and feminine care products by shopping sales and using coupons at drugstores or buying in bulk sizes online or at a wholesale club.
What‘s more, Aldi has a very limited selection of toiletries and personal care products compared to drugstores. "Shopping for these items at Aldi is a bit of a gamble since they may not have your preferred product in stock," says McGrath. "Most of us tend to be brand-loyal when it comes to the products we put on our bodies, so you‘re better off sticking with your tried-and-true elsewhere."
3. Seafood
Despite Aldi‘s reputation for low prices, its frozen fish and shrimp can actually cost more per ounce than comparable products at Walmart or other supermarkets, according to superfan blogs like Aldi Reviewer. Plus, Aldi‘s limited selection means you may not find your go-to seafood staples in stock.
The quality and freshness of Aldi‘s seafood is also questionable. Some of it is imported from China and other countries with lax food safety regulations. In 2017, an investigation found North Korean workers may have been subjected to forced labor and human rights abuses while processing salmon sold at Aldi and other retailers.
When it comes to a highly perishable item like seafood, it‘s worth paying a little more for better quality and ethical sourcing from a dedicated fish market or higher-end grocery store. If you can‘t afford fresh seafood, look for frozen options from sustainable seafood companies or brands with transparent sourcing like Sea Cuisine.
4. Take and bake pizza
Aldi‘s take and bake pizzas seem tempting for a cheap and easy dinner option, but many shoppers complain they are surprisingly bland and unsatisfying, despite being loaded with toppings. "The crust texture is spongey and the toppings lack flavor," wrote one Aldi fan on Reddit. Others say the refrigerated pizzas from Aldi pale in comparison to fresh pizzeria pies or even frozen pizza from other stores.
For an equally budget-friendly pizza fix, grab a hot and ready pie from Little Caesars or DiGiorno frozen pizza from Walmart or your local grocery store when on sale. Your taste buds will thank you!
5. Bagged produce
One of the major downsides of shopping at Aldi is the lack of a full-service produce department. Much of Aldi‘s fruits and vegetables are sold in pre-bagged or packaged quantities, giving you less control over selecting the freshest items.
"I find Aldi produce, especially bagged salads, have a tendency to spoil more quickly compared to other stores because you can‘t check the quality of each item," says Bodge. Unless you plan to eat the contents quickly, you run the risk of finding your produce wilted, mushy, or moldy within a day or two.
So if choosing your own crisp head of lettuce or unbruised apples is a priority, you‘re better off buying loose produce from a traditional grocery store or farmers market. Consider Aldi for hardier veggies like potatoes, onions, and carrots that have a longer shelf life.
6. Chicken
Whole chickens and chicken parts are some of the most affordable meats at Aldi, but you may not save much time or money once you factor in the work of trimming off excess fat and gristle. Some Aldi shoppers have found the chicken to be too slimy, fatty, or not as fresh-tasting compared to other grocers.
If you don‘t mind doing a bit of butchering, go ahead and scoop up Aldi‘s chicken deals. Otherwise, you‘ll have an easier time cooking with the pre-trimmed individually frozen breasts or cutlets from Perdue or Tyson, or the hand-selected air-chilled chicken from a fancier grocer like Whole Foods. Rotisserie chicken is another convenient option.
7. Specialty snacks & sweets
Aldi‘s knock-off versions of name brand snacks and sweets may come at a lower price, but they often miss the mark on flavor and texture. Devotees of Doritos, Oreos, Cheez-Its, Chex Mix, or Girl Scout cookies likely won‘t be satisfied by Aldi‘s "Almost" or "Benton‘s" imitations. The generic versions of Aldi‘s Millville chewy granola bars also have a dry, crumbly texture and bland taste some shoppers find off-putting.
You‘re better off waiting for sales on your favorite name brand snacks at conventional supermarkets, drugstores, or Amazon, and combining with coupons to get the lowest price. Or try making your own healthier vegan, paleo, or keto versions of snack mixes, crackers, and cookies at home using recipes online.
8. Ground coffee
Aldi offers a robust selection of fair trade and organic ground coffee in flavors like breakfast blend, French roast, and hazelnut under its Barissimo and Beaumont private labels. And while some of these brews earn solid reviews for smoothness and value, the majority of coffee connoisseurs say Aldi‘s beans and grinds simply can‘t beat the aroma and richness of name brands like Starbucks, Dunkin‘ Donuts, or Peet‘s.
"I‘m a big coffee drinker and have tried many of Aldi‘s ground coffees over the years, but none of them ever tasted quite right to me—either too bitter, burnt, or artificial tasting," says Aldi blogger Diane Youngpeter of aldi-usa.com. She recommends splurging on your preferred coffee brand or trying Aldi‘s whole bean varieties, which some say taste fresher than the pre-ground.
9. Pet food & treats
Dog and cat owners may be tempted by the rock-bottom prices of Aldi‘s Heart to Tail pet food and treats. But a closer look at the ingredients reveals these products are heavy on fillers like corn, wheat, and unnamed meat byproducts, and light on quality protein. "The Heart to Tail dry food doesn‘t even list the animal protein source (chicken, beef, etc.) as the first ingredient, which is a red flag," says Aldi Reviewer.
For the health of your furry friends, it‘s worth investing in a premium pet food brand that contains high-quality meat protein, whole grains, and no artificial colors or flavors. Talk to your vet about the best options in your budget, and stock up during sales at pet stores or online retailers like Chewy.com. Your pets will live longer, healthier lives as a result.
10. Name brands
About 90% of products at Aldi are private label, but you will find a small selection of name brands in certain categories, like cereal, snacks, baking mixes, and canned goods. However, these products aren‘t always the best deal compared to other stores.
"Aldi can sell name brand items at a discount, because they are buying overstock deals just like T.J. Maxx and Ollie‘s Bargain Outlet do," says Bodge. "But in some cases, the name brand price at Aldi is higher than what you‘d pay at Walmart or Amazon." For example, a box of Honey Nut Cheerios at Aldi costs about $3.65, but you can sometimes find it for $2.50 at Walmart or cheaper with coupons.
What‘s more, Aldi does not accept manufacturer‘s coupons or participate in money-saving apps like Ibotta that can further lower the cost of name brands elsewhere. So if you spot a mainstream brand at Aldi, do a quick online price comparison to make sure you‘re truly getting a bargain.
11. Clothing & accessories
You never know what you‘ll find in Aldi‘s middle aisle, which features an ever-changing assortment of Aldi Finds like seasonal decor, kitchen gadgets, furniture, toys, and yes, even apparel. But while it may be tempting to toss a $7 sweater or $15 jacket in your cart, don‘t expect high-quality construction or fabrics.
"I‘ve bought a few articles of clothing from Aldi, and while the prices are hard to beat, the material is noticeably thin, the seams unravel easily, and the fit is often hit or miss," says Bodge. Unless you‘re shopping for a one-time event outfit or buying clothes for fast-growing kids, you‘ll get more mileage out of garments from retailers that specialize in apparel, like Old Navy, H&M, or Target.
The same "you get what you pay for" principle applies to Aldi‘s cheap footwear and accessories. "I once bought a pair of $9 sneakers there out of curiosity, and within two wears, they were falling apart and left my feet in pain," says Youngpeter. Stick to shopping Aldi‘s center aisle for fun impulse buys or gifts, not building a long-term wardrobe.
The bottom line on what not to buy at Aldi
At the end of the day, deciding what to buy (and not to buy) at Aldi comes down to your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If getting the absolute lowest price is your top priority, you‘ll probably be happy with most of Aldi‘s offerings. But if you‘re willing to pay a bit more for better flavor, variety, or quality, consider passing on some of the categories above and spreading your shopping across multiple stores to get the best value.
By being a savvy and selective shopper, you can still enjoy many of Aldi‘s best deals and unique private-label products, while scoring even better bargains on brand names and specialty items elsewhere. The key is to always keep an eye out for sales, use coupons when you can, and don‘t be afraid to branch out beyond Aldi‘s aisles to find the right mix of savings and satisfaction for your household. With a little planning and creativity, you can eat well and live well on a budget.
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